The last few weeks have been hectic for wicket-keeper batsman Rob Turner who has been awarded a well earned benefit by the club in 2002.

In addition to working for west country stockbrokers and club sponsors Rowan Dartington in Weston Super Mare, Rob has been busy finalising the arrangements for some of the event that are scheduled to take place during the season.

Earlier on today he told me, "I've fixed quite a few bits and pieces for next year,and the Launch Lunch will take place at the County Ground in Taunton on Friday March 22nd."

Before then Rob will be hosting a tour party of forty people to watch several of the New Zealand v England matches in the early spring. The tour which sets off on February has proved to be so popular that it is a sell out.

For those who have missed out on the New Zealand trip Rob is organising a similar trip over Christmas 2002 and New Year to watch some of the Australia v England test matches.

Rob told me, "I'm very much looking forward to my Benefit Year and I want to do well on the field. I need to have things in place beforehand so that I can concentrate on playing."

Several items relating to Rob's Benefit Year are now available, all of which would make excellent Christams gifts including a traditional tie, a bow tie and a matching top pocket handkerchief.

The tie is in two shades of dark blue, and features the Somerset Wyvern in maroon and the England crest in black, with Rob's logo and signature in silver.

The suggested donation for the traditional tie is £10, the bow tie is also £10, and the handkerchief is £2.50. The suggested donation for the whole set is £20. Certainly the traditional tie looked very smart indeed when I saw it modelled by Ian Blackwell this morning!

Rob has also produced a Benefit Calendar for 2002 which features 12 pages of A3 quality glossy action shots taken during the 2001 season and featuring the C and G Trophy Final at Lord's. Once again this is available by donation which is suggested should be £6.

The highly acclaimed artist Terry Harrison has painted a montage to commemorate the Lord's Final, and a limited edition run of just 500 copies has been produced. The print will be available before Christmas.

Orders or further information about any of the above items, or any events for Rob's Benefit Year can be made by contacting Doreen Barnes on 01455 230489, or e mail, DoreenBarnes@aol.com

Items can also be obtained from The County Stores in Taunton, Boundary Sports at the County Ground, or the Somerset County Cricket Club office.

© SOMERSET